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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Franchise

Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is a Houston-based restaurant franchise built around authentic New York-style pizza and classic Italian dishes prepared from Chef Anthony Russo’s family recipes. Founded in 1992 and franchising since 1999, the brand remains founder-led, with Anthony Russo serving as CEO.

The kitchens emphasise fresh, never-frozen ingredients: dough is handmade daily, sauces and pastas are prepared in-house, and Sicilian olive oil is used throughout. Menus accommodate gluten-free, Halal, and vegan diners. Store formats are flexible, ranging from compact fast-casual delivery layouts to larger full-service dine-in restaurants, typically between 1,200 and 3,500 square feet.

The system has grown to more than 57 locations across the United States and international markets in the Middle East and Asia. Russo’s positions itself on culinary authenticity and premium ingredients rather than volume-led delivery, and franchisees operate within a territory model backed by the franchisor’s training, supplier relationships, and operating systems.

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Why buy a Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Franchise?

Buying a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise gives an operator a recognised Italian and pizza concept in a category that has proved resilient across economic cycles. The brand’s emphasis on handmade, premium-ingredient food differentiates it from commodity delivery chains and supports stronger ticket values, with the franchisor reporting average unit volumes above $1.1 million for its top-performing restaurants.

Owners gain access to pre-negotiated supplier and supply-chain relationships, proprietary recipes, standardised operating processes, and a marketing programme spanning social media, SEO, and co-op advertising. The flexible store formats let operators match a location to its market, and multi-unit development is available to those looking to expand. As a founder-led, family-owned system that has franchised since 1999, Russo’s offers an established playbook for owners who are new to the restaurant trade.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1992

    • Franchising Since

      1999

    • New Startup Cost

      $439,350 – $1,501,000

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $35,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      35%

      of then-current initial franchise fee, single-unit

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      1%

      of Gross Sales or $250/wk min

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      34

    • New Units Opened *

      6

    • Units Transferred *

      7

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $882,314

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Initial training runs in two phases: six weeks at the company's Houston training store covering front- and back-of-house operations, processes, and procedures, followed by three to four weeks of on-site training at the franchisee's own restaurant. Ongoing support includes constant communication from the operations team, operating and marketing assistance, co-op advertising, social media and SEO support, newsletters, franchisee conventions, and a help line, plus pre-negotiated supplier relationships. Resale buyers should confirm what transfer training and system access Russo's provides to incoming owners.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Russo's suits a hands-on owner-operator rather than an absentee investor, as active daily involvement is required. Restaurant experience is helpful but not essential; the franchisor looks for entrepreneurial operators with backgrounds in business, sales, marketing, hospitality, or retail who can manage staff, control food quality, and build community relationships. Strong local marketing instincts and a commitment to consistent guest experience matter most, and the model also fits operators aiming to develop multiple units over time.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Russo's earned national recognition when Entrepreneur ranked it #24 on its Top 200 Food and Restaurant Franchises list in 2018, and the brand has continued to appear in Entrepreneur's franchise directory since. It is a member of the International Franchise Association and participates in the VetFran programme, which offers incentives to military veterans. Its multi-unit development agreements across the Middle East and Asia reflect a growing profile. For resale buyers, brand recognition should be weighed alongside a location's local reviews, repeat customers, and community standing.

  4. Industry / Market

    Russo's competes in the US pizza market, valued at roughly $47.6 billion in 2024 and projected to pass $50 billion in 2025, with more than 75,000 pizzerias nationwide and over three billion pizzas sold each year (IBISWorld). Pizza remains one of the most consistent, recession-resistant food categories, while demand for fresh, customisable, and dietary-flexible options such as gluten-free, Halal, and vegan continues to grow. For resale buyers, local competition, foot traffic, and delivery coverage shape an individual restaurant's performance.

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